Ciné is an extraordinary treasure that is unique to downtown Athens. The restored historic venue houses two cinemas, a full bar, and a versatile event space, and is the only independently operated, mission driven, non-profit, community-based art house movie theatre in the region.

By providing film and arts that inspire, educate, and build community, Ciné enriches the quality of life in Athens, offering the unique opportunity to share the vitality of a community movie-going experience without the commercial distractions of the multiplex. Ciné plays a key role in the cultural landscape of downtown Athens, bringing people together to enjoy both the art of good cinema and the refreshment of a good drink. Ciné feeds the heart and mind by reliably providing thoughtful, challenging, inspirational, educational, and thought-provoking works to a loving community.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization—under the stewardship of THE ATHENS FILM ARTS INSTITUTE (AFAI), an all-volunteer Athens-based Board of Directors—Ciné reflects and celebrates the complex tapestry of the community we serve. AFAI ensures that Ciné can continue its unique and vital role in Athens’ cultural life, helping to make our town a better place to live, work, visit, and do business.

WHAT IS AFAI?
The Athens Film Arts Institute (AFAI) is a local non-profit organization created in 2009 with an educational mission that supports Ciné in its programming of exceptional films and other media. AFAI ensures that Ciné – with its location in a historic building downtown – can continue its unique and vital role in Athens’ cultural life as a community arts center.

AFAI assumed operations of Ciné on January 1, 2012. Our volunteer board consists of community members dedicated to maintaining the financial stability and expanding the educational mission of Ciné. AFAI received tax exempt 501(c)3 status from the IRS in 2011, which allows supporters the ability to make tax deductable contributions to ensure the viability of Athens’ independent movie theatre.

HOW WILL AFAI’s MANAGEMENT AFFECT MY CINE EXPERIENCE?
You shouldn’t notice any difference at all. AFAI’s management of Ciné is simply transitioning a formerly privately-owned business into a non-profit community-run theatre.

WHAT DOES MY CONTRIBUTION DO?
Maintaining the quality programming and community outreach you have come to expect from Ciné is expensive. Ciné is one of the few theaters in Georgia that screens films in 35mm and archival reel-to-reel prints. Our operating costs are higher because we show films in their original format, and we sponsor many community events. Despite this, our ticket prices are actually less than the multiplexes.

AFAI’s work is made possible through your participation, and Ciné cannot continue to exist without your support. Your donations as a member, patron, or corporate patron will support Ciné in its new non-profit format, and your contributions to AFAI, which has 501(c)3 status, are tax-deductible. One more good reason among many to support Ciné!

SO I BECOME A MEMBER, WHAT DO I GET?
Depending on your level of support, you will receive perks ranging from free movies to reduced parking rates to advance notice of events. More information on membership and patron donation options HERE